How to hide your IP address in the US

There are multiple reasons why you might want to hide your IP address in the US. With your IP address, your online activity can be tracked and traced back to you. It can also be used to prevent you from accessing region-locked content while traveling. If you want to be able to browse anonymously and with complete freedom, you’ll need to hide your IP address. This can be achieved with a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) service not only allows you to hide your IP address, but to change it completely. To do this, you’d connect to a server in your preferred location. You’re then assigned a new, temporary IP address which makes it appear as if you’re located elsewhere. Not only does this have privacy-related benefits, it also means you can bypass geographic restrictions on content abroad, be it a news site, streaming service, or social media platform.

How to hide your IP address in the US with a VPN

This may be your first time using a VPN. If so, you needn’t worry. VPNs are perfectly legal in the US (and indeed most countries) and, better still, they’re very simple to use.

Here’s how to hide your IP address in the US using a VPN:

1. Select one of the VPN providers listed in this post and sign up. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Next, you’ll need to download and then install the VPN app on all of the devices you’d like to secure.
3. Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server. This is how you hide your IP address and spoof your location with another. For example, if you want a UK IP address, you would connect to a server in the UK.
4. Now that you have your new IP address, your true IP address is hidden. You can now browse privately with fewer restrictions.
5. If you are encountering issues, clear your browser cookies and cache and try again. If issues persist, contact your VPN provider.

You’ve no shortage of options when it comes to VPNs for hiding your IP address in the US. However, some VPN services are simply better than others, particularly when it comes to speed or security. Below, we outline the key criteria a VPN had to meet to be recommended:

• Servers in countries worldwide including the US
• Fast with unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming
• Consistent unblocking of geo-restricted content
• Secures data with a high level of encryption
• Live chat and email support around the clock
• Minimum of five simultaneous connections allowed

Best VPNs to hide your IP address in the US

Need to make a quick decision? Here’s a brief overview of the best VPNs for hiding your IP address in the US as well as their main benefits. If you need more information, you can always return to the full reviews below.

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for hiding your IP address in the US. Over 5,000 servers (nearly 2,000 in the US). Fast with specialty servers, encryption, and 24/7 support.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for hiding IP.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Fast speeds and servers in 95 countries for changing your IP address. Unlimited simultaneous connections. MultiHop servers available.
3. ExpressVPN: High-speed servers with no bandwidth throttling. Servers in 94 countries. Strong security thanks to encryption and kill switch. 24/7 live chat support.
4. CyberGhost: Large server network (nearly 9,000 in over 90 countries). Unlimited bandwidth and lets you connect seven devices at once. Windows antivirus included.
5. IPVanish: Fast thanks to WireGuard protocol. Over 2,000 servers to choose from. Secure all of your devices at the same time. Zero-logs policy protects your privacy.
6. PrivateVPN: Strong unblocking and impressive speeds for streaming lag-free. User-friendly apps and comprehensive privacy protection with a strict no-logs policy.

Best VPNs for hiding your IP address in the US

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to hide your IP address in the US:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN makes it easy for you to hide your IP address in the US (or indeed any other country). This is thanks to its generous network of over 5,000 servers. Indeed, almost 2,000 of its servers are located in the US so you can hide your IP address and still continue to securely access the likes of Netflix US. One of the faster VPNs we’ve tested, NordVPN doesn’t throttle your bandwidth, making it highly suitable for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming.

This is a strict no-logs service with 256-bit AES encryption. As such, your IP address is hidden and, unlike some VPNs, isn’t shared with third parties. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch feature as well as specialty Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers. With a NordVPN account, you can hide your IP address on up to six devices at once. You’ll also have 24-hour access to this VPN’s live chat and email support.

NordVPN provides apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. You can also find Chrome and Firefox browser extensions although manual setup is required if you wish to set up a connection with your wifi router.

BEST VPN TO HIDE YOUR IP ADDRESS IN THE US:NordVPN has nearly 2,000 US servers and fast speeds for streaming Netflix US without lag. Extra security thanks to Double VPN servers. Strict no-logs policy and 24/7 support. You can even try NordVPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark has a rapidly growing network of over 3,000 servers. These servers are located in 95 countries — more than any other VPN we’ve listed. As such, you’ll be able to hide your IP address and access even more geo-blocked websites and services at home and while traveling abroad. Speeds are fast and uninterrupted thanks to unlimited bandwidth which is ideal if you’d like to stream Netflix (Surfshark works with over 30 Netflix libraries in all).

Many VPNs let you connect a few devices at the same time. However, Surfshark doesn’t limit the number of simultaneous connections you can have. Furthermore, this VPN provides 24/7 support via live chat and email should you require any assistance. Security-wise, it ticks every box with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Connecting to one of Surfshark’s MultiHop servers provides an extra layer of encryption.

You can find Surfshark apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available to download. While you can use this VPN with select routers, doing so requires manual configuration.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark has servers Surfshark has servers in 95 countries including the US and Canada. Fast with no bandwidth throttling. Secure all of your devices at once. Very strong security with encryption and MultiHop servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a strong all-rounder, providing a high level of speed and security. With 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, it’s well placed to help you hide your IP address and access a wide range of restricted content. The fast, unthrottled connections allow for lag and buffer-free streaming. ExpressVPN works well with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more. With just one ExpressVPN account, you can connect up to five of your devices.

This VPN is a great choice for novice users because not only is it easy to use, it has excellent customer support. You can access this via live chat and email 24 hours a day. With ExpressVPN’s 256-bit AES encryption, your IP address is hidden while further security features include protection from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks and a kill switch. It should also be noted that ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. You can also find Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions while there’s even custom firmware for easier manual setup with compatible routers.

SPEED AND SECURITY:ExpressVPN offers high-speed connections for streaming. Unlimited bandwidth and servers in 94 countries, the US included. Uses high-end encryption and doesn’t keep identifying logs. Excellent 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has more servers than most VPNs with nearly 9,000 in all. Some 1,300+ of these servers can be found in the US across a dozen cities including Los Angeles and New York. You can therefore find a server close to your physical location for even faster speeds while hiding your IP address. Speaking of speed, CyberGhost is the fastest VPN we’ve tested at the time of writing. We recorded an average download speed of 548 Mbps.

When you connect to a CyberGhost server, your data is 256-bit AES encrypted. There’s DNS and IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch to further prevent the risk of data becoming exposed. What’s particularly impressive is that CyberGhost also has a Windows security suite (with antivirus) as well as its own password manager. This VPN provider operates a strict no-logs policy so even if data is requested, it has nothing of substance to provide.

Secure seven devices simultaneously via CyberGhost apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also manually configure it to work with select wireless routers, and browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox.

FASTEST VPN:CyberGhost has a huge number of servers with over 1,300 located in the US. Fastest speeds for streaming and torrenting. Secure up to seven devices at the same time. Strict no-logs VPN with lots of security features. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish has become one of the fastest VPNs around and is one of very few that works with Netflix US. Now with more than 2,000 servers (some 1,300+ of which are located in the US), it’s well placed to hide your IP address and help you access your favorite content at the same time. It’s also a very good option for sharing with family because it doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously.

The IPVanish apps are easy to use and there’s the option to automatically connect to the best (fastest) available server. Regardless, 24/7 support is at hand via live chat and email should you encounter any issues. IPVanish maintains a zero-logs policy. Its security offering includes all of the essentials such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks.

IPVanish has apps for desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS). An Amazon Fire TV app is also included while manual setup instructions are provided for use with Linux and routers.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish has over 1,300 US servers and fast, unthrottled connections. Works with Netflix US and keeps you safe online with encryption. Zero-logs policy and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a beginner-friendly service with servers available in dozens of countries. Its US servers cover a number of cities, providing plenty of choice when you’re looking to hide and change your IP address. This VPN is more than fast enough for streaming in high definition and even 4K, all without lag or buffering. Indeed, it offers users unlimited bandwidth as well as strong unblocking ability (access Disney+, HBO Max, and more).

Thanks to the strict no-logs policy of PrivateVPN, you don’t need to worry about your IP address being shared with anyone. In fact, 256-bit AES encryption ensures it can’t be seen by hackers or snoopers. Security also includes a kill switch and DNS leak protection while you can choose to pay anonymously in Bitcoin should you wish. Live chat and email support is available and you’ll be able to connect six devices via a single PrivateVPN account.

Hide your IP address by connecting to a PrivateVPN server with its Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or Amazon Fire TV apps. A router connection can be configured manually.

STRONG UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN provides high-speed connections combined with strong unblocking. Hide your IP address thanks to military-grade encryption. User-friendly apps and the option to pay anonymously in Bitcoin. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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How we found the best VPNs for hiding your IP address in the US: our methodology

A lot of VPNs can hide your IP address both in the US and overseas. However, there’s a lot more to VPNs than just this. Just some factors to take into account include server network size, connection speed, and unblocking ability. Below, we provide some insight into our methodology for finding the best VPNs:

• Servers worldwide: First, we looked at each VPN’s server network. This has to include servers in dozens of countries. You then have plenty of choice when it comes to hiding your IP address in the US and changing it for another. All of the VPNs listed provide plenty of US servers so you can even stay “local”.
• Speed: If you want to not only hide your IP address, but stream, torrent, and play online games, you need a VPN that doesn’t slow your connection. To find the fastest VPNs available, we carried out speed tests. Note that all of the above VPNs offer unlimited bandwidth so you shouldn’t encounter issues such as lag or buffering.
• Unblocking: It’s not uncommon for websites and services to be geo-blocked. This is particularly the case when you travel abroad although you’ve likely encountered sports blackouts within the US. The fact is that some VPNs are simply better at bypassing restrictions than others. We’ve chosen those we found most reliable.
• Security: A VPN should hide your IP address through 256-bit AES encryption. It should also protect data from being exposed to hackers and snoopers through DNS leak protection and with a kill switch feature. We’ve only selected VPNs that include these security features. In fact, most offer extras (such as Double VPN servers).
• Privacy: Just because a VPN hides your IP address, doesn’t mean it won’t log and share it with third parties (yes, some free VPNs in particular actually do this). To find those VPNs that actually protect your privacy, we analyzed 140 VPN logging policies. As a result, all of the VPNs in this post provide no-logs policies.
• Ease of use: The best VPNs make it quick and easy to hide your IP address in the US (or any other country such as Canada). In fact, you should be able to connect to a server in a matter of seconds. We test each VPN’s apps ourselves and only select those that also offer customer support via live chat and email.
• Value for money: We also strive to find VPNs that we feel offer value for money. In each case, you’ll find multiple subscription options. We provide VPN discount coupons in this post so you can get an even better deal. Each VPN includes a risk-free money-back guarantee of at least 30 days.

Aside from looking for each VPN to fulfil the above criteria, we carry out tests of each VPN. Our VPN testing methodology involves assessing server speeds, checking for DNS leaks, and more.

Hide your IP in the US: FAQs